Savanna Hoffman
China has one of the largest education systems in the world, with over 3000 universities as of 2022. In 2021, there were 35 million undergraduate students and 3.3 million postgraduate students across the country, including 255,720 full-time international students. China offers a wide range of programs for international students, including English-taught degrees and short-term Chinese language programs. The country's rich culture and traditions, as well as its economic rise, also make it an attractive destination for international students looking for a unique adventure and transferable skills. However, China's strict COVID-19 policies and unpredictable market have impacted its appeal as a study destination, with some students choosing other Asian countries due to friendlier admission requirements and lower tuition fees.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of international students | 255,720 in 2021 |
| Percentage of international students | Less than 1% of total enrolments nationally in 2021 |
| International students as a percentage of total enrolments compared to other countries | 38% of the UK's total international enrolment share in 2021 |
| Number of universities | Over 3000 as of 2022 |
| Number of top-ranked universities | 30 |
| Number of English-taught programs | Thousands |
| Subjects of English-taught programs | Medicine, literature, engineering, economics, business, finance, law, Chinese |
| Number of TNE students | Over half a million |
| Number of joint programs or institutes | More than 1,000 |
| Number of international students at Tsinghua University | 5% of 15,000 students |
| Number of international students targeted by China annually | 500,000 |
| International students' contribution to university revenue | Significant |
| International students' academic preparedness | Strong STEM backgrounds and highly academically motivated |
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What You'll Learn
China's rise as an economic power
China has risen to become a global economic superpower in a relatively short time. Since opening up to foreign trade and investment and implementing free-market reforms in 1979, China has been among the world's fastest-growing economies, with real annual gross domestic product (GDP) growth averaging 9.5% through 2018. This growth has enabled China to, on average, double its GDP every eight years and helped raise an estimated 800 million people out of poverty.
China's rapid economic growth and emergence as a major economic power have given its leadership increased confidence in its economic model. One of the key drivers behind China's economic rise has been its massive network of factories producing everything from toys to mobile phones for consumers worldwide. China's Belt and Road initiative (BRI) is a grand strategy to finance infrastructure throughout Asia, Europe, and Africa, which, if successful, could significantly expand its export and investment markets and increase its "soft power" globally.
China overtook Japan as the world's second-largest economy in 2010 and has remained in that position, second only to the United States. Some economists predict that China's economy will surpass America's by 2030. When taking into account different standards of living across countries, also known as adjusting to purchasing power parity, the Chinese economy has been the world's largest since 2014.
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The country's unique culture and traditions
China has a unique and profound culture with a rich history that dates back five thousand years. It is one of the world's four "cradles of ancient civilization" and has maintained a unique continuity. Chinese culture is extremely diverse, with customs and traditions varying across different regions.
Chinese civilisation has historically been considered the dominant culture of East Asia, exerting a profound influence on the philosophy, customs, politics, and traditions of Asia. Chinese characters, ceramics, architecture, music, dance, literature, martial arts, cuisine, arts, philosophy, etiquette, religion, politics, and history have had global influence, with traditions and festivals celebrated and practised worldwide.
Traditional Chinese culture covers large geographical territories, with each region often divided into distinct subcultures. Each region is represented by three ancestral items. For example, Guangdong is represented by chenpi, aged ginger, and hay, while the ancient city of Lin'an (Hangzhou) is represented by tea leaves, bamboo shoot trunks, and hickory nuts.
Chinese is considered the most difficult language in the world to learn, with thousands of characters making up the written language. Chinese calligraphy, or writing, is based on symbols. China's rich literary culture includes many pithy sayings and beautiful poems.
Chinese religion and spirituality have historically been oriented towards worshipping the supreme god Shang Di, with the king and diviners acting as priests and using oracle bones. The Zhou dynasty shifted the focus to worshipping the broader concept of heaven. Many spiritual practices are derived from Chinese Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism, with about a quarter of the population practising Taoism and Confucianism, and other traditional religions. There are also small numbers of Buddhists, Muslims, and Christians.
China's unique culture and traditions are a significant draw for international students, offering a fascinating cultural experience and an opportunity to gain a greater understanding of the country.
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A wide range of English-taught programs
China has one of the largest education systems in the world, with over 3000 universities as of 2022. The country has become increasingly popular among international students due to its excellent educational facilities, highly regarded science and technology degrees, and up to 30 top-ranked higher educational institutions. China's unique culture and traditions also attract international students.
China offers a wide range of English-taught programs at Bachelor's, Master's, PhD, and non-degree levels. These programs cover various subjects, including medicine, literature, engineering, economics, business, finance, law, and Chinese language programs.
English-taught programs in China often require international students to prove their English proficiency through tests such as IELTS, TOEFL, or the Duolingo English Test. However, native English speakers or those who have previously studied in English may be exempt from these requirements.
Tsinghua University, one of China's elite institutions, offers a significant number of English-taught programs. In 2023, master's programs accounted for 61.5% of English language programs in China, while short courses made up 6.5%, and PhDs in English reached 3.7%.
International students can apply to Chinese universities through various platforms, such as the universities' websites, CUCAS (an online self-application platform), or CUAC (which also provides advisory services). The application process may vary, and it is recommended to check the specific requirements and deadlines for each university and program.
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Top-ranked higher educational institutions
China has one of the largest education systems in the world, with over 3000 universities as of 2022. The country has up to 30 top-ranked higher educational institutions, renowned for their science and technology degrees.
Tsinghua University, one of China's elite institutions, offers 32 programs delivered entirely in English, as well as 189 undergraduate modules and 550 postgraduate modules taught in English. Xi'an Jiaotong University is another top-tier institution that has waived English language requirements for graduation.
Other top-ranked universities in China include:
- Peking University
- Fudan University
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences
- Zhejiang University
China's higher educational institutions offer a wide range of programs, from medicine to literature to engineering. Many universities offer courses taught in English, specifically for international students. The academic year in China usually consists of two semesters: spring and autumn. However, some institutions have implemented a three-semester system.
Applying to Chinese universities can be done online, directly through the university website, or through platforms like CUCAS and CUAC, which act as intermediaries and provide guidance. International students can also seek scholarships from institutions like the Chinese embassy or universities.
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Scholarships and internships
China is one of the most generous countries when it comes to providing scholarships to foreign students, with over 50,000 international students in China currently on scholarships. The Chinese government offers numerous scholarships for international students, recognising the role of quality education in national industrialisation and social progress.
There are three main types of scholarships in China: government, non-government, and university-specific. One of the most common scholarships awarded to international students is the CSC scholarship, provided by the Chinese Scholarship Council. This scholarship is an initiative of the Chinese Ministry of Education to promote education, cultural exchange, political cooperation and mutual understanding between other countries and China. CSC scholarships can be full or partial funding, and students who qualify may attend any of the 279 universities that accept them.
Other government scholarships include the Jiangsu Scholarships, Hubei Provincial Scholarship, Beijing City Scholarship, Jiangsu Jasmine Scholarship, Shanghai City Scholarships, and many more. Confucius Institute Scholarships are also provided by the government and are available for international students who want to study the Chinese language and culture. These scholarships include a monthly allowance for personal needs, basic health insurance, and tuition and housing costs.
University-specific scholarships are also available, such as those offered by United International College and Xiamen University. These scholarships are typically awarded to academically exceptional students.
In addition to scholarships, internships in China are also a great opportunity for international students to gain valuable experience and build professional relationships. China's economic growth and vast markets have made it a leading hub for international business and trade, with many Fortune 500 companies operating there. Internships are available in a wide range of sectors, including business, finance, law, digital media, green technology, hospitality, tourism, and healthcare. Many internships are located in major cities like Beijing and Shanghai, but there are also opportunities in rural areas, especially for those interested in working for NGOs and charities.
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Frequently asked questions
China has been the largest source of international students globally for the last decade, with over 3000 universities as of 2022. The country has great educational facilities, renowned science and technology degrees, and up to 30 top-ranked higher educational institutions. China is also fascinating for international students in terms of culture and traditions.
Studying in China will provide you with sought-after transferable skills and cultural experiences that will give you an edge in the job market. China has one of the largest education systems in the world, with over 3000 universities as of 2022, and a wide range of programs available for international students.
The requirements for international students vary depending on the university and program. For Chinese language programs, you usually need to submit your passport, academic transcript, and a personal statement. For English-taught programs, you may need to prove your English proficiency through tests such as IELTS, TOEFL, or Duolingo English Test.
International students can apply to Chinese universities online, directly through the university website or through platforms such as CUCAS and CUAC, which act as intermediaries. It is recommended to research the specific application requirements and deadlines for each university, as they may vary.
Yes, scholarships are available for international students in China. To obtain a scholarship, students need to be sponsored by an institution, such as the Chinese embassy in their country or a university.
